Indigo Journal

2010 Governor's Race: Endorsements and Attacks Coming Fast and Furious

Posted on 12. Aug, 2009 by Tim Kelly in SC Politics

With the official entrance of one candidate and the expected annoucement of another soon to come, the endorsements and recriminations are flying in the race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

Current education chief Jim Rex isn't even an official candidate yet, but he's already won the endorsement of Rock Hill Mayor Doug Echols.

“South Carolina needs the kind of leadership Jim Rex will provide, and I hope he will run for Governor,” said Echols. “We are at a crossroads in South Carolina, and as the mayor of Rock Hill, I know how important it is to have a partner in the Governor’s office who understands what it takes to bring jobs and economic development to our communities.” 

Echols was elected mayor in 1998 and has been re-elected twice.

Meanwhile, the bombshell announcement by Columbia attorney and powerbroker Dwight Drake brought swift response from his primary opponents and their allies.

First out of the gates was Kershaw representative Laurie Slade Funderburk.

"Dwight Drake has a well-earned reputation as a top lobbyist in this state. Unfortunately, he has built his career, in large part, by protecting the status quo for powerful special interests," Fundburk said, singling out Drake clients in tobacco, nuclear waste and payday lending.

Close on the heels of Funderburk came statements from two of Drake's opponents. 

While Vincent Sheheen didn't refer to Drake by name, his statement closely tracked that of Funderburk.

“In the South Carolina Senate, I have focused on fighting the special interests and insider politics that too often control our government in Columbia at the expense of the people," Sheheen said. "Whether it be predatory lenders, big tobacco companies, or environmental polluters, I have been willing to stand up to them — and stand up FOR hard-working South Carolinians and our families."

Mullins McLeod didn't hesitate to call Drake out for his profession though.

"We welcome Mr. Drake to the race — he is a smart and talented person. But with all due respect, a corporate lobbyist won’t change politics as usual in Columbia," said a statement released by McLeod's campaign. 

For his part, Heyward Harvin, who has close ties to McLeod consultant Lachlan McIntosh, almost immediately launched a Who Is Dwight Drake website.  The site wasn't as spur of the moment as it seems, though. Records show that the domain name was purchased last month and is privately registered.